Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo

Created:
Movement:
1760
Rococo
key Notes:
Rococo Allegory, Classical Symbolism
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Dimensions:
Diameter 114 in. (289.6 cm)
medium:
Fresco, transferred to canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance" is a painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, created in 1760. The work exemplifies Tiepolo's mastery of allegorical representation and his ability to convey complex themes through dynamic compositions. It features personifications of Virtue and Abundance, depicted in a manner that reflects the Rococo style's emphasis on elegance and ornamentation. The painting is characterized by its vibrant color palette and fluid brushwork, which are hallmarks of Tiepolo's technique. The specific context of the commission for this painting is unknown. Tiepolo was active in Venice and later in Würzburg, Germany, where he created significant frescoes and other works. This painting contributes to the understanding of 18th-century European art and the role of allegory in conveying moral and philosophical ideas. The current location of the painting is not specified in the available literature.

Description of the work:

"Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, created in 1760, features a dynamic composition characterized by the interplay of light and shadow. The fresco, transferred to canvas, showcases Tiepolo's mastery of color and form, with vibrant hues that enhance the figures' ethereal quality. The central figures embody the concepts of virtue and abundance, depicted with flowing drapery that suggests movement and grace. Tiepolo employs a rich palette, utilizing golds and deep blues to create a sense of opulence. The background is adorned with soft clouds, contributing to the overall celestial atmosphere of the work. The figures are rendered with a sense of three-dimensionality, achieved through Tiepolo's skillful use of chiaroscuro. The composition is balanced, with the figures positioned in a way that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas. Overall, the painting exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by its decorative elegance and thematic focus on allegory.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Allegorical Figures Representing Virtue and Abundance